Continuing to head east, we next stopped outside of Memphis, TN in West Memphis, AK (just on the other side of the Mississippi). We stayed in a really nice campground (Tom Sawyer) and were located a stones throw from the river. Never realized how busy the barge traffic on the river is!
Crossing the bridge into Memphis, we had to stop for dinner on Beale St. Really great barbecue at BB Kings along with some great entertainment!
You cannot visit Memphis without visiting Graceland! We toured the home as well as the newer entertainment complex. The house took you back to the 70s with some of the decorations as well as the kitchen appliances. It was nice to see not only the house but all the memorabilia in the entertainment complex as well.
Shiloh battlefield is prevserved much like Gettysburg in PA. Just a few facts about the battle of Shiloh:
- Began April 6, 1862 when confederates under Johnston attached federal soldiers under Grant.
- Battle begins on Fraley Field.
- The federals got their butts handed to them on the first day and were forced back to Pittsburg Landing.
- Johnston was killed and replaced by Beauregard.
- On the second day, having been reinforced overnight, Grant overpowered the confederates and the confederate army left the field.
- Battlefield was quite woodsy.
- Was known as bloodiest battle to this point with 23,000 casualties.
Next up – Nashville, TN
Fran and Jeff’s Retirement Adventures 